Requirements for monitored fire alarms, sprinkler systems and carbon monoxide monitoring systems in new and existing 24-hour commercial animal housing and care facilities are under consideration by local officials.

An amendment to a Round Rock city ordinance requiring these updates will be under consideration for its first reading March 23. The proposed updates come in response to a November 2021 fire at the Ponderosa Pet Resort in nearby Georgetown, according to city staff.

When council first discussed the ordinance in January, city staff said there are 23 businesses in Round Rock offering animal boarding services. If approved, any new businesses offering animal boarding for more than 24 hours would face requirements to have a sprinkler system and carbon monoxide detector regardless of the facility's size. City documents state existing businesses will also be required to add monitored fire alarm systems. If they expand to add square footage, the addition of a sprinkler system is also required.

The amendment does not impact residential animal care, according to city documents. The proposed ordinance also stipulates that if approved, animal care facilities would have a period of two years to comply with the ordinance to allow these businesses to budget for, plan and install the new systems.